Abnormal Ca2+-ATPase Activity in Erythrocytes of Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Rats

Abstract
Non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD) rats have an increased Ca2+-ATPase activity in their kidney basolateral membranes. We find that a similar increased activity occurs in erythrocytes of the NIDD animals. This alteration in membrane ATPase activity appears to be specific for the Ca2+-ATPase as (Na+ + K+) and Mg2+-ATPase and Na, K and Mg concentrations in the erythrocyte were not affected by the diabetic condition in these animals. Thus, abnormalities in membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity in the NIDD rats are not restricted to one tissue and appear to be a generalized pathology in the NIDD animals.